Abstract:

N-S diagrams and flowcharts are examples of graphical representations of algorithms that are frequently used for educational purposes in order to facilitate students’ comprehension of algorithms. The methods of algorithm representation are also employed as an element of documentation improving communication among computer scientists.
The paper aims at verifying if the graphical method of representation of algorithms has impact on their comprehension primarily taking into consideration cognitive workload occurring during particular tasks performed by participants of the experiment.
The study was conducted on a group of 12 subjects who had to analyze and give the obtained results for 10 problems consisting in the analysis of 5 algorithms represented in 2 forms: N-S diagrams and flowcharts.
Apart from behavioral indicators obtained by means of eye tracking, the study also included duration of particular tasks and correctness of given answers.

Keywords:

Algorithm comprehension, cognitive workload, eye tracking, flowcharts, N-S diagrams.